The Concept Of Difference In The Social Work Area
Difference is what makes human beings unique and special as individuals. If differences did not exist, everyday would be a mundane task of detached nothingness. Differences shape who we are and knowing what makes us different from others is important in discussing our self-concept and self-awareness. Self-concept is the knowledge of oneself as a person — emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and perceive internal and independent thought processes. If one is self-aware, they are able to acknowledge where power and privilege is present or lacking in their life. The ability to acknowledge our self-concept, power, and privilege, are crucial steps in laying the foundation for a fruitful career in the social work arena.
Difference as a Theory
Tracing back to the beginning foundation of social work, difference wanted to be ignored — services were offered to some while marginalizing the needs of others. Difference wanted to be pushed to the side and not brought out to be accepted, appreciated, or even acknowledged. Difference was a concept that was to be ignored by the majority without taking into consideration the needs of the minority. Many theories have helped social work stray away from those early ways of thinking. These theories have looked at the individual as a whole and what contributes to the individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. An important facet of these theories is difference — what makes us different and how it shapes mankind. The Universalism approach says that if individuals engage in a constant state of compassion, they are able to handle any type of difference. If we treat others in a never-ending state of love and care, we can rid the world of its differences. This is an ideal situation that is unfortunately impossible for many different reasons. It is impossible because we cannot treat every individual, situation, or group with a constant state of compassion. As Ghederi explains, the postmodern viewpoint is a much more realistic take on difference than Universalism. Postmodernism is being able to not only acknowledge our differences, but learn how to live our most successful lives embracing the differences of those surrounding us. Acknowledging, educating, and celebrating differences is vital to living in a postmodern society. When we ignore populations because of differences we are furthering the damage of society.
Power and Privilege
Throughout the years, I was never taught of the ways that racism has been so embedded into our country and way of life until moving to Richmond. I grew up in a very small town in Maryland and was homeschooled up until grade five. Upon finishing grade five, I was sent to a religious school where I had only two people of color in my class until graduation. Every teacher at the school besides the Spanish teacher, identified as white. The school as a whole was never taught about the negative ways in which privilege and power can impact minority groups. I wish I had done more as an individual to increase my knowledge about power, privilege, and the ways they affect groups. Before attending Virginia Commonwealth University, I had never been pushed to learn or made aware of the impact the color of my skin has on others — I have been fortunate enough to be educated on the ways my skin color has affected others not only in the past but currently. McIntosh delivers a very important message in White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. She goes on to explain that as a whole, persons identifying as white have been consistently taught that racism is a certain act or acts of meanness — that being oblivious to our power and privilege will ultimately work out in our favor. If we do not participate in these blatant acts of meanness, we are not part of the problem. However, we need to not only be concerned of these everyday instances, but increase our awareness that our obliviousness can be just as detrimental as explicit acts. Recognizing power and positions that culture and color of your skin has on others is a key step in practicing how we can help others feel more heard and empowered by understanding, empowering, and advocating for them.
Characteristics which Influence Self-Concept
Growing up as a female in a very religious household, I was taught I would find my spouse and they would provide for me so that I could raise children — a way of thinking that can truly effect independence as a maturing female. I grew up surrounded by males which made my feelings of difference from them increase. Until attending school in Virginia, I never realized that I am an independent person that is in control of her life and decisions. One way that I felt this difference which has remained an internal conversation for quite some time, was a way I was treated at work. A customer who was an older white male entered my job in search for a dish we no longer served to bring home to his wife. Upon explaining we discontinued serving the dish, I began to explain what was similar on our updated menu in hopes another dish would serve as a similar replacement. When I had gone back to check on the customer, he was asking a male who worked in the kitchen the same question. Even though I had answered the customers question to the best of my ability, it surprised me when he had to repeat his question to someone else. It took me a while to process this because I was so shocked about the situation. I felt that my voice had not been heard and that even though I had given an answer, he needed to have a male perspective. I am sure that this customer was unaware of situation having an impact. However, that subtle question and the way I felt slighted and unheard as a woman made me place doubts on myself. McIntosh explains that men are unaware and oblivious of the however subtle but specific ways their power influences women’s thoughts. The way that I viewed this situation will be different across other cultures and societies. Viewing this instance as a white female will be very different from a viewpoint of someone who identifies differently.
According to the Social Constructionist theory, society and culture shapes the way we experience different situations. Upon discussing this situation with a woman of color at my work, she explained to me that she felt those feelings of not being heard, shocked, and angered frequently. When she works with a coworker who is white or male, questions are directed to them. When she expresses these feelings to others, she feels even more angered because people are not listening to the way she feels — society has taught her that she is supposed to cooperate with whatever situation and let toxic behavior like this continue.
I have given much thought to what certain groups or individuals I have treated unfairly based on a characteristic they possess. It has humbled me and made me realize that I need to constantly be aware of my shortcomings and evaluate why and how I can change internal thought processes. I have treated older men unfairly in the past by presuming that they will treat me differently as a woman, expecting that older men that walk through the door will treat me unfairly and look at me as a girl who does not have a major say in comparison with other men. This is a topic that I truly need to work on and realize that even though I have had past experiences, every person, situation, and experience is different. To categorize a group of individuals as a certain way is something that will hinder my performance as a social worker. Self-concept is a formation of thoughts about who we were, who we are currently, and who we will become. Our self-concept forms how we will behave in certain situations with certain populations of people and is shaped by external reactions.
Our beliefs and thought patterns guide us in our thinking and responses which are fluid systems that are able to change throughout certain situations and experiences. Our schemata and experiences are constantly evolving and changing which cause our self-concept to evolve and change as well. Remaining in a constant state of learning about our self-concept, what is influencing it, and how we are able to regulate it, is vital because it is consistently changing. There are many factors that influence our self-awareness, including emotions, environment, and personality. Self-awareness is the knowledge that these aspects exist. To gain greater self-awareness, one must become aware of oneself.
Characteristics in Regard to Social Work Profession
In the line of social work which I have been blessed to join, being able to have a strong self-awareness about my personality, strengths, and weaknesses is central. Strengths that help positively influence my personality are being able to listen to others and feel compassion for those who are struggling in aspects of their lives. Gaining insight into why people behave the way they do, what motivates them, and what helps them through the day, is very important in increasing my self-awareness. It will shape the way I, as a social worker, will treat and impact clients, peers, and colleagues. In order to be a successful social worker, I need to be constantly evaluating myself and ways I can improve. My goal as a social worker is to treat each individual and group as unique, valuable, and worthy of all of the resources that I can offer. To be aware of my ideas and behaviors, as well as acknowledging my privilege in order to gain insight to the different ways my help could be used.
Conclusion
Differences give rise to how individuals are shaped and the influence they have on surrounding persons. Differences can be apparent, invisible, or nonexistent. Self-concept is what we know and how we understand ourselves. This includes but is not limited to, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Self-awareness is the ability for our mind to act consciously from the self. Power and privilege can work together to either help or hinder individuals, groups, and situations. As a social worker, being aware of oneself is accomplished by reflection of power, privilege, oppression, thoughts, biases, and behaviors and the different degrees in which these play a role in our lives.
